Summer is for Seafood – NOT just BBQ!

Don’t be fooled into thinking the only thing folks are looking for on the menu this summer is hamburgers and hotdogs. Boring! There are plenty of ways to spice up your menu with delicious and easy seafood recipes – including many handheld items.

Grilled Scallops on the Half Shell – Ideal as an appetizer, the half shells make for a beautiful presentation to delight your guests. Top with garlic butter, sun-dried tomatoes or a tangy house made sauce.

Grilled Fish Wrap – You can go so many ways with this one, and it’s ideal for a “build your own” menu. Mahi and Grouper are two of the most popular choices and the wrap is perhaps better suited for a flaky white fish. Add in some cajun spices, soy and tempura or classic honey mustard. Your guests will love having a healthy, hand held option.

Shrimp Skewers– Perhaps the most quintessentially “BBQ” seafood, shrimp skewers are sure to be a popular menu item this summer. Quick and easy to prepare, shrimp skewers can be altered to fit the style of your menu and can be offered as an up sell with most menu items.

Lobster Burgers – Somewhere between a burger and a BLT is the lobster burger. Feel free to use the tail and claw meat. Using lobster makes this burger feel “fancy”, but the “burger” factor ensures it’s not just for the elite!

Ahi Poke Bowl– The only item on this list you’ll need a fork for (maybe?). Sliced or cubed, fresh sushi grade tuna combines with the flavors of soy sauce, green onions, sesame oil, sesame seeds, chili pepper, and macadamia nuts. Refrigerate for several hours and serve cold. So refreshing and beautiful to look at.

Ceviche – This dish, popular in latin america and the caribbean is popping up all over menus in Florida. Ceviche features fresh raw fish that is then cooked/cured in citrus juices, such as lemon or lime, and spiced with peppers. Many recipes feature tropical fruits (such as mango or kiwi) and vegetables (peppers, onions). Ceviche can be eaten with a utensil but is delicious when piled high atop a tortilla chip.